Washing additive dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser is mounted on the agitator of an automatic washer and is responsive to a condition of the washing fluid, such as a predetermined liquid level or agitator-induced liquid movement, for releasing the washing additive into the washing liquid through the hollow centerpost of the agitator.

United States atent 1 [111 3,724,242

Davis 1 Apr. 3, 1973 541 WASHING ADDITIVE DISPENSER 2,835,122 5/1958 Conlee ..68/17 A [75] Inventor: Gordon Jerry Davis, Newton, Iowa FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Assignee= The Maytag Company, Newton, 263,516 6/1964 Australia ..68/17 A Iowa 234,360 6/1961 Australia ..68/17 A [22] Flled: Oct. 1970 Primary Examiner-William l. Price [21] Appl. No.: 85,569 Assistant Examiner--Philip R. Coe

AttorneyWilliam G. Landwier and Richard L. Ward [52] US. Cl. ..68/17 A, 68/18 FA I {57] ABSTRACT [51] Int. Cl. ..D06f 39/02 58 Field of Search ..68/17 A, 18 FA A dispenser is mounted on the agitator of an automatic washer and is responsive to a condition of the [56] References Cited washing fluid, such as a predetermined liquid level or agitator-induced liquid movement, for releasing the UNITED STATES PATENTS washing additive into the washing liquid through the hollow centerpost of the agitator. 3,330,135 7/1967 Douglas ..68/17 A 2,498,894 2/1950 McCormick et a1 ..68/17 A 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures as :zf

I 53 I /5 i l l i A WASHING ADDITIVE DISPENSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a dispenser and more particularly to a washing device dispenser operable in a washing machine.

2. Description of the Prior Art In domestic fabric washing machines it is intended that the machine by fully automatic from the initiation to termination of a complete washing operation. This automaticity requires means for properly dispensing certain washing additives at preselected times in the cycle of operations. Some of the prior art devices employ program-controlled electric valves for properly injecting the washing additives. Other prior art devices associate the washing additive dispenser with a liquid injection system to dispense the additive into the washing liquid. Still other systems use dispensers associated with the pumping mechanism or employ chambers responsive to centrifugal forces for effecting the dispensing. There is, however, a continuing search for a simple, low cost and reliable washing additive dispenser for an automatic washing machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the instant invention to provide an improved washing additive dispenser operable in a washing apparatus for dispensing an additive into the washing liquid responsive to a predetermined condition.

It is a further object of the instant invention to pro vide a washing additive dispenser operable for dispensing an additiveinto the washing liquid responsive to a predetermined level of washing liquid.

It is yet a further object of the instant invention to provide an improved washing additive dispenser operable in a washing machine for dispensing a washing additive into the washing liquid responsive to initiation of agitation of the washing liquid.

The instant invention achieves these objects in a washing machine having an additive dispenser disposed at least partially within the washing container and operable responsive to a predetermined condition within the washing apparatus for dispensing an additive into the washing liquid. In a specific embodiment the dispenser is responsive to a predetermined level of liquid in the washing container whereas in another specific embodiment the dispenser is responsive to the movement of liquid within the washing container.

Operation of the device and other objects and advantages thereof will become evident as the description proceeds and from the examination of the accompanying two pages of drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS and comprising one embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and comprising an alternate embodiment of the instant invention; and

FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of the instant invention showing a fragmentary sectioned portion of the agitator similar to the views of FIGS. 2 and 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EIVIBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown in diagrammatic form a portion of a clothes washing apparatus including a substantially imperforate non-rotatable fluid container 10 in which is nested a perforate centrifugally rotatable fabric container 11. The fluid container 10 will retain a body of washing fluid to at least a level indicated by numeral 12. Disposed within the fabric container 11 is an oscillatable agitator 13 including an upright centerpost 14, a plurality of radially extending vanes 15 and a lower flared base 16. Mounted on the agitator is a filter-dispenser assembly 20 which will be more fully described hereinafter. The washing machine apparatus includes drive means (not shown) for selectively oscillating the agitator 13 and for centrifugally spinning thefabric container 11 to effect, respectively, the washing and extraction operations. For more detailed description of a clothes washing apparatus as referred to herein, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 2,926,136 issued Feb. 23, 1960 and assigned to the assignee of the instant invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is an enlarged sectional view of the agitator 13 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows one vane 15 representative of the plurality of vanes mounted on and forming part of the agitator 13 and also shows a fragmentary portion of the flared base 16. The agitator 13 includes a lower hub 21 connected to the centerpost 14 by a plurality of ribs 23 and is drivingly engageable with an output shaft (not shown) of the-drive system for effecting the oscillation of the agitator 13 within the washing fluid.

The upstanding centerpost 14 is hollow and defines an open top cavity 24 and a plurality of fluid ingress openings 25 into the cavity 24. Adjacent the bottom portion of the hollow centerpost 14, there is a plurality of fluid egress openings 26 extending from the cavity 24 and aligned with chutes 29 formed in the upper surface of the flared base 16. There is thus established a path for fluid flow from an upper position in the washing fluid to a lower position through the agitator centerpost 14. The flow is induced by the action of the agitator 13 and includes movement of fluid through the fluid ingress openings 25 to the fluid egress openings 26 and then along the chutes 29 formed in the flared base 16. An agitator embodying this construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,381,505 issued May 7, 1968 and assigned to the assignee of the instant invention.

Fluid egress openings, similar in function to openings 26, may also be formed within the agitator so that the fluid flow path extends from the ingress through the cavity and through an egress to a location beneath the flared base so that fluid flow through the agitator is effectively discharged into the washing fluid at the radially outermost point of the flared base rather than through the chutes as described previously. An agitator having thisalternate construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,381,504 issued May 7, 1968 and assigned to the assignee of the instant invention.

The filter-dispenser assembly at least partially telescopes into the hollow centerpost 14 of the agitator and is removable therefrom by the operator. The filterdispenser assembly 20 is supported, and maintained substantially centered within the agitator 13, by the lower sleeve of the cap member 31 that telescopes over an upper flange 33 of the agitator centerpost 14. Additional centering is provided by the lower offset flange 34 of the filter-dispenser assembly 20 that is frictionally engageable with the inner wall of the hollow centerpost 14. Though the filter-dispenser assembly 20 is removable from the agitator centerpost 14, there is sufficient frictional engagement that the assembly 20 is oscillatable and rotatable with the agitator 14 during operation of the laundry machine.

The upper cap portion 31 defines a relatively large upwardly facing central inlet 35. A dividing wall 36 within the filter-dispenser assembly 20 includes a shallow conical central portion and a plurality of openings 39 disposed around the center portion to form a strainer between the inlet and a fluid reservoir 40. The fluid reservoir 40 is defined by a substantially imperforate cuplike member 41 that is positioned at least partially within the cavity 24 defined by the hollow centerpost 14. The bottom wall 43 of the cuplike member 41 is sloped toward a central opening defining a fluid outlet 44. Disposed within and operable for closing the fluid outlet 44 is a resilient valve member 45. The valve member 45 is connected by an elongated stem 46 to a hollow imperforate cone-shaped actuator 49. The hollow actuator 49 acts as an air bell and functions as a float for controlling movement of the valve 45. More specifically, the actuator 49 is operable for effecting an opening of the additive outlet 44 responsive to a predetermined level of fluid within the fluid container 10. Upward movement of the stem 46 into the outlet is limited by the stop member 50 extending outwardly from the stem 46. Undesirable drippage or leakage from the reservoir 40 is prevented from running out onto the top of the flared base 16 by a shoulder 51 effectively forming a drip basin 53 near the base of the hub 21.

The filter-dispenser assembly 20 further includes a generally cylindrical filter screen member 54 extending axially between the lower portion of the fluid reservoir cup 41 and the lower offset flange 34. The perforate filter screen 54 is disposed in the fluid flow path to remove lint and other objects from the washing fluid as the fluid flows through the agitator centerpost 14.

The filterdispenser assembly 20 may be fabricated with plastic parts including the cap 31, dividingwall 36, reservoir cup 41 filter screen 54 and lower offset flange 34. The components may be joined as a unit by integral molding or by solvent or heat welding.

The invention as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2

may best be understood by considering the operation of the device. As previously indicated, a fluid flow path is set up through the agitator center-post 14 from the ingress openings 25 to the egress openings 26 near the lower portion of the agitator centerpost 14. This fluid flow is induced by oscillation of the agitator 13. As the agitator 13 moves, the fluid is forced outwardly at the vanes 15 and drawn inwardly at the upper portion of the agitator so as to set up a fluid flow inwardly through the ingress openings 25 and outwardly from the egress opening 26 and chutes 29 during movement of the agitator 13. During the reversal action of the agitator 13, however, or at the end of each stroke, the outward movement of the fluid adjacent the vanes 15 is generally interrupted so that there tends to be a pulselike flow through the hollow centerpost 14 effected by the oscillation of the agitator 13.

To use the dispenser, the operator pours a liquid additive into the inlet 35 which flows by gravity through the strainer opening 39 into the reservoir40. The fluid is retained in the reservoir 40 since the valve 45 closes the outlet 44 when the fluid container 10 is empty or filled less than a predetermined amount. The operator may then start the machine for a cycle of operation including an initial fill period. As the machine fills with fluid, the washing fluid rises up into the hollow centerpost 14 of the agitator and the actuator 49 operates as an air bell. Specifically, as the water rises to a point part way up the cone-like actuator 49, it is forced up by buoyancy of the trapped air to open the valve 45 and permit the additive to feed by gravity into the fluid for dilution and distribution into the body of washing fluid. In a specific example, a 9% oz. change of washing additive is fed into the washing fluid over a period of a few seconds. The flow of fluid through the centerpost 14 upon initiation of the oscillation of the agitator 13 insures a complete and thorough dispensing of additive into the washing fluid.

An alternate embodiment of the instant invention is shown in FIG. 3. This embodiment is identical to FIG. 2 as to the agitator 13 and a major portion of the filterdispenser assembly. The distinguishing characteristic between the filter-dispenser assemblies 20 and 60 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is that a vent hole 61 in the actuator 63 of FIG. 3 prevents response of the actuator 63 to a rising liquid level within the agitator centerpost 14. This modification permits the filling of the fluid container 10 without actuating thereservoir valve 45 to the open position so that the washing additive .is maintained in the reservoir 40 during the fill operation.

The actuator 63 is, however, responsive to 'movement of the agitator and to movement of the fluid within the centerpost 14 as induced by the agitator 13, or more specifically responsive to the momentary reverse pulse of fluid flow at the end of each agitator stroke, for periodically opening the valve 45 to dispense a quantity of additive into the washing liquid. At the end of each stroke, or with each pulse of reverse flow, the dispenser permits a small charge of additive to be dispensed into and diluted by wash water in the hollow centerpost 14 for further distribution throughout the fluid container 10 and fabric container 1 1.

The dispenser of FIG. 3 is therefore responsive to the initiation of agitation for effecting a gradual dispensing of washing additive. In a specific example, a 9% oz. charge of washing additive is dispensed into the washing fluid in a period of one to one and a half minutes.

A further embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, includes a filter dispenser assembly similar to the one shown in FIG. 3 but also includes a removable cup 71 positioned in the inlet 35 of the assembly 70. The cap 72 is provided with increased height to receive the second removable cup 71 that is supported in the inlet 35 by an upper flange 73. The removable cup 71 is imperforate except for arow of holes 74 near the top of the outwardly sloping wall 75.

The initial loading of this device is similar to that described for FIG. 2 in which the operator adds a first additive, such as bleach, to the first reservoir 40. The second removable cup 71 is then positioned as shown in FIG. 4 with a second additive in the cup or the second additive, such as a rinse conditioner, may be added to the cup 71 after it is positioned as shown in FIG. 4. Following the filling of the fluid container with washing fluid and the initiation of agitation, the first additive is dispensed from the reservoir 40 as described for the embodiment of FIG. 3 in which the valve 45 is periodically operated to an open position responsive to the pulsing fluid flow during the initial portion of agitation to gradually dispense the bleach into the washing fluid. During this agitation portion, the second additive remains in the second reservoir or cup 71.

The agitation portion of a washing cycle is generally followed by a centrifugal extraction operation to remove the washing fluid from the fabrics being washed. During the first extraction operation, the additive in the cup 71 is responsive to centrifugal action for moving up the sloped walls 75 and out the radial holes 74 into the annular cavity 79 defined by the cup 71 and cap 72. The additive in turn flows through the strainer openings 39 into the reservoir 40. Since the extraction operation has removed the water from the fluid container 10, the valve 45 is in the closed position and the second additive remains in the reservoir 40.

- As is also normal in a fabric washing cycle, the extraction operation is then followed by a rinse operation in which the fluid container 10 is refilled with clean water for rinsing the fabrics in the fabric container 11. Again the fluid container 10 will fill to a desired level and upon the initiation of a rinse agitation operation, the actuator 63 will respond to movement of fluid within the hollow centerpost l4for periodically opening the valve 45 to effect dispensing of the second additive into the rinse water.

It is therefore clear that the instant invention includes an improved construction to provide a simple, low cost dispenser assembly automatically operable for effecting a desired dispensing of one or more washing additives into the washing fluid.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and although specific terms are employed these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in form and the proportion of parts as well as the substitution of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means; liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said agitator means for receiving and retaining a liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said centerpost comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to washing fluid in said centerpost for operating said valve means to said second position.

2. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve operating means includes float means responsive to a predetermined level of washing fluid in said container means for operating said valve means to said second position.

3. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve operating means includes transversely enlarged means in said centerpost responsive to the movement of fluid induced by operation of said agitator means for effecting operation of said valve means to said second position.

4. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said agitator means is operable for oscillating within said container means to efiect a generally pulsing movement of fluid in said container means and said cavity and wherein said valve operating means is responsive to the pulsing movement of said washing fluid for periodically operating said valve means to said second position to effect a gradual dispensing of said washing additive into said container means.

5. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means; liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said agitator for receiving and retaining a liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said centerpost comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to a predetermined level of rising washing fluid in said centerpost for operating said valve means to said second position.

6. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means; liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said agitator means for receiving and retaining a liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said centerpost comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to movement of washing fluid in said centerpost induced by operation of said agitator means for periodically operating said valve means to said second position to effect a gradual dispensing of said washing additive into said container means.

7. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means, said agitator means being operable for rotation with said container means during centrifugal extraction of fluid from said articles; first liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said centerpost at least partially disposed within said cavity for receiving and retaining a first liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said center-post comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to washing fluid in said centerpost for operating said valve means to said second position; and second liquid reservoir means associated with said first liquid reservoir 'means and constructed and disposed to receive and contain a second washing additive and to transfer said second washing additive from said second reservoir means into first reservoir means responsive to rotation of said agitator means with said container means. 

1. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means; liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said agitator means for receiving and retaining a liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said centerpost comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to washing fluid in said centerpost for operating said valve means to said second position.
 2. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve operating means includes float means responsive to a predetermined level of washing fluid in said container means for operating said valve means to said second position.
 3. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve operating means includes transversely enlarged means in said centerpost responsive to the movement of fluid induced by operation of said agitator means for effecting operation of said valve means to said second position.
 4. In a washing apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said agitator means is operable for oscillating within said container means to effect a generally pulsing movement of fluid in said container means and said cavity and wherein said valve operating means is responsive to the pulsing movement of said washing fluid for periodically operating said valve means to said second position to effect a gradual dispensing of said washing additive into said container means.
 5. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means; liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said agitator for receiving and retaining a liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and A second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said centerpost comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to a predetermined level of rising washing fluid in said centerpost for operating said valve means to said second position.
 6. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means; liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said agitator means for receiving and retaining a liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said centerpost comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to movement of washing fluid in said centerpost induced by operation of said agitator means for periodically operating said valve means to said second position to effect a gradual dispensing of said washing additive into said container means.
 7. In a washing apparatus, the combination comprising: container means for receiving and containing a body of washing fluid and articles to be washed therein; agitator means disposed in said container means and operable for moving said fluid and said articles; housing means in the form of a hollow centerpost on said agitator means defining a cavity effectively isolated from the articles in said container means while having fluid communication with said container means, said agitator means being operable for rotation with said container means during centrifugal extraction of fluid from said articles; first liquid reservoir means disposed within said container means and mounted on said centerpost at least partially disposed within said cavity for receiving and retaining a first liquid washing additive separate from said washing fluid and including an outlet in a lower portion thereof communicating with said cavity; valve means operable between a first position closing said outlet and a second position opening said outlet to effect flow of said additive from said reservoir means into said cavity; and valve operating means in said center-post comprising means depending from said valve means for operative engagement with washing fluid in said centerpost and movably responsive to washing fluid in said centerpost for operating said valve means to said second position; and second liquid reservoir means associated with said first liquid reservoir means and constructed and disposed to receive and contain a second washing additive and to transfer said second washing additive from said second reservoir means into said first reservoir means responsive to rotation of said agitator means with said container means. 